Publics Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
Anything from the SE to SW, but usually from the S to SW.
Wind
Calm or offshore from NW to E, with NE straight offshore.
Surf Height
Chest high-2X overhead
Tide
Medium
Publics Surf Guide
Publics is one of the most consistent and longest lefts in Town. It's a ways out, and the reef is pretty shallow, so any bit of swell can run along its uneven edge. Getting in and out can be a serious hassle, as those coral heads will pop up at the most inopportune times, and yes, they do hurt. High tide renders the waves a little mushy, though safer, while low tide can be racetracky with the occasional tube section, but the real threat is losing some skin on the reef. It's probably better to try it out first time on a high tide. Outside Castles, the infamous and fickle, big, steamrolling left, sits way outside and towards Diamond Head, comprising an outer reef that stretches all across the bay at Waikiki.
*Note: This surf zone has bleeding control emergency supplies provided through the Adopt a Cove program. Learn more here.
Ability Level
All Abilities
All levels, but depends on size.
Local Vibe
Doable
Varies. When it's marginal there are lots of smiles. When it starts really cranking it's locals only.
Crowd Factor
Moderate
Always crowded when its waist high or bigger, but early bird gets the worm sometimes.
Spot Rating
Fun
Usually a mellow and user friendly wave, but gets good when a solid swell is running.
Shoulder Burn
Medium
Long paddles to and from beach, but not bad once you're out there.
Water Quality
Clean
Clean for the most part, but most of Hawaii's population lives on the South Shore of Oahu. Tons of people.
Hazards
Shallow, live coral reef.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Funboard, Longboard, Fish, Bodyboard
Access
Easy. Park in Sans Souci State Recreational Park.
Bottom
Reef
Best Season
Summer. From around April through October.
Do you have local knowledge about Publics?
If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]